The body of former President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to arrive Katsina State at noon today for burial in his hometown of Daura at 2pm, in accordance with Islamic rites.
According to a 9am News report, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will personally receive Buhari’s remains at the Katsina Airport. The body is being flown in from London, United Kingdom, where the former President died on Sunday. Vice President Kashim Shettima, alongside Buhari’s family members, is accompanying the late leader’s remains home.
From the airport, a chopper will convey the body to Daura, the quiet hometown where Buhari retired after leaving office on May 29, 2023. The burial will take place within his modest family compound.
Today’s solemn funeral ceremony will be attended by President Tinubu, former Niger Republic President Mahamadou Issoufou, and other African leaders who have confirmed their presence. As of last night, sources close to the funeral committee indicated that more leaders were expected to confirm their attendance for the Janaza prayers.
No fewer than 25 ministers, Senate and House of Representatives leaders, state governors, prominent traditional rulers, business leaders, and top public and private officials will be in attendance.
Daura was already crowded with visitors by Monday night, but security has been tightened to maintain order during the event. Many ordinary Nigerians — the ‘Talakawa’ — who formed the backbone of Buhari’s political base may be unable to attend due to strict security measures.
A full military honour will mark the reception of the body at the Katsina Airport and continue at the burial site. Buhari, a retired General in the Nigerian Army, served twice as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces — first as military head of state from 1983 to 1985 and later as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023.
Following his death, the Federal Government declared a seven-day mourning period, with flags flying at half-mast nationwide. A national public holiday has also been declared today in honour of the late leader’s final journey.
An 18-man inter-ministerial committee, chaired by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator George Akume, is coordinating the funeral. Members include key ministers such as Wale Edun (Finance), Senator Atiku Bagudu (Budget and Economic Planning), Abubakar Badaru (Defence), Dave Umahi (Works), Mohammed Idris (Information), Bunmi Ojo (Interior), and Nyesom Wike (FCT), as well as the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and other top officials.
Speaking on Monday, Information Minister Idris confirmed that President Tinubu has directed all ministries, departments, and agencies to open condolence registers at their entrances to allow Nigerians pay their last respects. A central condolence register for the diplomatic community and general public is also open at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
Vice President Shettima, who travelled to London to bring back Buhari’s body, also met with family members, including the late President’s widow, Aisha Buhari. He also visited Buhari’s close confidant Mallam Mamman Daura, who is recovering in a London hospital, and former Military Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, who recently left hospital care.
In an emotional interview, Gen. Abdulsalami revealed that he and Buhari were admitted in the same London hospital before Buhari’s passing. He described the late leader as “a gentleman, very quiet, exceptionally honest, and trustworthy,” highlighting Buhari’s decades-long commitment to integrity, discipline, and the fight against corruption.
Reflecting on their relationship, Abdulsalami said: “Despite his quiet nature, he was strong in character and consistent in principle. We have lost a patriot who tried to make Nigeria better.”
As Nigeria lays Buhari to rest today, the nation pauses to remember a leader whose legacy will continue to shape its history.
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